Kiplinger's Favorite High-Yield Dividend Stocks

These four picks are well suited for many income investors including retirees.

Income investors on the hunt for the best dividend-paying stocks should check out the Kiplinger Dividend 15, a list of our favorite dividend stocks. Here are four of the highest-yielding stocks. (Yields as of Oct. 30.) Keep in mind that higher yields can mean higher risks.

Realty Income

Symbol: O

Yield: 4.7%

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Consecutive years of dividend hikes: 23

The real estate investment trust owns hundreds of retail properties leased to major national companies such as Walgreens. The reliable REIT has paid a dividend for 568 months in a row.

Verizon Communications

Symbol: VZ

Yield: 4.8%

Consecutive years of dividend hikes: 11

The telecom giant rakes in about $30 billion every quarter from more than 109 million subscribers to its phone, internet and TV services. Biggest risk: Sales aren’t growing much.

Blackstone Group

Symbol: BX

Yield: 5.3%

Consecutive years of dividend hikes: 2

The asset manager handles more than $371 billion in investments, including private equity funds, mutual funds and real estate. Biggest risk: A prolonged slump in financial markets.

Enterprise Products Partners

Symbol: EPD

Yield: 6.7%

Consecutive years of dividend hikes: 18

Enterprise, one of the largest energy master limited partnerships, runs oil-and-gas pipelines, processing plants, storage depots and export facilities. Biggest risk: A drop in oil prices.